Beam smoke detectors are designed to protect large, open spaces that would need a great many point detectors to cover. A beam detector projects an infrared beam across the area, and when smoke drifts into the beam it reduces the light reaching the receiver, triggering the alarm. A single beam can span a considerable distance, making this an efficient and economical way to protect wide, high-ceiling buildings. MEP designs, supplies and installs beam detection systems across the UK.
A beam detector consists of a transmitter that sends out an infrared beam and a receiver that measures how much light arrives, or a single unit that uses a reflector to send the beam back to itself. In clear air the receiver sees the full beam. When smoke enters the path it partially blocks the light, and when the reduction reaches a set level the detector signals a fire. Because the beam covers a long line rather than a single point, one detector protects a large area.
Beam detection is well suited to large open buildings with high ceilings, where mounting and maintaining many point detectors would be impractical: warehouses, factories, atria, sports halls, churches and other large public buildings. The detectors are usually mounted high on opposing walls, keeping them clear of daily activity and easier to protect from damage. We assess the space, plan the beam layout for complete coverage, and install to BS 5839 so the system reliably protects the building.
Get in touch with our team of fire suppression experts to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored solution.
A detector that projects an infrared beam across a space and raises the alarm when smoke entering the beam reduces the light reaching the receiver.
In large, open, high-ceiling buildings such as warehouses, factories, atria, sports halls and churches, where point detectors would be impractical.
One beam covers a long line, so far fewer detectors are needed to protect a large area, and they can be mounted high out of the way.
Usually high on opposing walls, with a transmitter and receiver, or a single unit and a reflector, spanning the area to be protected.
Beam detection is designed and installed to BS 5839 as part of a compliant fire detection system.
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